The Ultimate Comfort Food: Beef Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the best beef enchilada casserole recipe that will elevate your culinary repertoire to new heights. This delectable dish combines tender beef, savory spices, and a rich enchilada sauce, all baked to perfection in a cheesy casserole. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will satisfy your cravings and leave your taste buds yearning for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
3. Create the Enchilada Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Fill the Tortillas: Spread approximately 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dip each tortilla into the remaining enchilada sauce and fill with a portion of the ground beef mixture, black beans, and corn. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour Over Remaining Sauce: Spread the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
6. Cheese the Casserole: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the sauce.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Tips for the Ultimate Casserole:

• Use a lean ground beef: This will help reduce the fat content of the casserole.
• Don’t overcook the beef: Overcooking will make the beef tough.
• Season the beef well: The spices will add flavor to the entire casserole.
• Use a flavorful enchilada sauce: The sauce is what will give the casserole its unique flavor.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other ingredients to the casserole, such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or jalapenos.

Variations:

• Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Replace the ground beef with cooked and shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Omit the ground beef and replace it with additional black beans and corn.
• Spicy Enchilada Casserole: Add a few diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the enchilada sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro: This will add a bright and fresh flavor to the casserole.
• Serve with sour cream: The sour cream will help to balance out the spiciness of the casserole.
• Serve with guacamole: The guacamole will add a creamy and flavorful element to the casserole.

The Perfect Comfort Food

This best beef enchilada casserole recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the compliments that are sure to come.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What can I do if I don’t have corn tortillas?
A: You can use flour tortillas instead. Just be sure to heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds before filling them, as they are more likely to break.